Kalinga: The Provincial Police Office (PPO) in Kalinga province has called on the youth to enroll in state-run service academies to secure their future and deter potential recruitment by rebel groups. Col. Gilber Fati-ig, director of the Kalinga PPO, emphasized the benefits of joining institutions like the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) during community visits.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fati-ig highlighted the advantages of enrolling in these academies, including free education, allowances, and guaranteed employment after graduation. He noted that these opportunities can prevent the youth from being swayed by left-leaning organizations.
Fati-ig pointed out that these efforts have been effective, as evidenced by the recent graduation of nine Cordillerans from Kalinga among the 23 graduates at the PMA. The province also recently hosted 20 PNPA cadets, five of whom were from Kalinga. Fati-ig, a PNPA graduate from Tinglayan, mentioned that many of his colleagues from Kalinga have also graduated from government security academies.
Meanwhile, in Baguio City, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has implemented a strategic plan to protect children and youth from abuse. CSWD officer Liza Bulayungan stated that the office has proposed recommendations to transition from reactive care to proactive prevention. These measures include strengthening Barangay Councils for early detection of abuse, launching public education initiatives, and establishing clear reporting mechanisms.
The CSWDO is also focusing on supporting at-risk families through financial aid, counseling, and education, while collaborating with schools and NGOs to create safer environments for children. The department's efforts are complemented by ongoing monitoring of child abuse statistics to assess the effectiveness of current social welfare interventions.
Records indicate 33 child abuse cases were reported in Baguio City from January to March this year, with non-incest rape being the most prevalent form of abuse. Other forms included physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, with most victims aged between 12-15 years.
Additionally, there were 48 cases of Children in Conflict with the Law during the same period. The CSWDO emphasizes rehabilitation over detention, with all minor offenders placed back with their families to foster a supportive environment. Most juvenile cases are being addressed through community-based interventions, with ongoing monitoring by social workers.
Bulayungan asserted that these initiatives are aligned with the city's long-term strategy to manage juvenile cases through community-based programs and family reintegration rather than institutional confinement.
